new pet

Question
i have had my new texel guinea pig for about 3 days, and i want to be the best pet owner possible. i recently lost a hampster after only a few short months and do not want to take any risks with my guinea pig as i am already crazy about him. what is the most important thing i can do to ensure his longevity?
my second question is do you have any hints for litter training? i would love it if my piggie could climb on my bed with me and relax and watch tv but when he did it today my blanket was covered in poop. it would be great if i could get him to use a box.
finally, i have had him for about 3 days but he still gets really skittish and runs around the cage when i try to pick him up. i want to socialize him as much and as quickly as possible. im trying to hand feed him a little so he knows my scent and doesnt run from me. other than that, is there anything else i can do?
thanks so much. i have read your advice and find it very useful.
~Erica

Answer
Erica -

First, let me apologise for the delay in my response.  I have been seriously ill for about a week, and I was unable to respond to any of my emails.  Now I am trying to catch up with my allexperts posting.  Hopefully I will get caught up today.  :)  I just don't want you to think I was trying to ignore you.

First, I'm glad you are trying to be a responsible pet owner.  The thing about guinea pigs is that, like humans, there's no one thing that will guarantee their longevity.  What you will need to do is make sure he is in a warm environment without drafts, in the proper (clean) litter, eating healthy food, getting enough vitamin c and plenty to chew on.  Even then, there is no guarantee that he will live a long time.  While the average life expectancy of a guinea pig is 4-5 years, keep in mind that that is an average.  Quite a few live less than that, and some live quite a bit longer.

Secondly, with litter training, I would say that you are in for a very difficult road.  I know that it can be done, but I have never attempted it myself.  I would say to be patient, provide an area of the cage with a very different litter than the rest (perhaps you can find one that he prefers to go in over another), and remember to be patient - this process can take a while.

Finally, as far as socialization goes, you will have to give him time.  Remember, to him, you may be a potential predator, since you are so much bigger, so just do your best to be as gentle and non-threatening as possible.

Hope this is helpful.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me again, hopefully I will be able to answer much more quickly.  Thanks, and good luck with your new pet!

Lorena